Over the past couple of decades, magnetic locators became an irreplaceable tool for virtually every industry that has a need to locate deep-buried objects. Simply, their ability to detect the presence of ferrous metals underground with great precision saves a lot of time, labor, and, of course, money.

So, it is no surprise that everybody, from plumbers to surveyors, wants to get their hands on a Schonstedt locator, whether in Watertown or anywhere else in NY. The problem, however, is that there are so many makes and models available on the market, that selecting the one that would fit your exact needs is almost an impossible task.

Fortunately, “almost” is the operating word here, as we’ll give you several tips that will help you make an informed choice and lead you to select a device that will improve your efficiency while lowering operating costs.

How do I choose a magnetic locator to buy?

The answer is: with careful consideration. Whether you’re buying a locator or a detector, it’s not a decision you want to rush. It is a long-term investment and, as such, demands an analytical approach.

Determine your needs

The first step is to determine what you’ll be using a locator for. Here are some of the most basic questions that will help get you started:

• Are you working in high-risk situations and/or locations (e.g. highways, construction sites, etc.) where spatial awareness is a must? Go for the one with the LCD display.
• Are you working in a quiet or semi-quiet, relatively safe environment (e.g. archeological site)? Go for the headphones variant.
• Are you covering a lot of ground, often ending up miles away from your starting position? Then the GPS-capable model will be a godsend.
• Are you doing local work only? Then a basic or advanced model will suffice.

Understanding your specific needs, as well as those of your job, will help you narrow down your options and choose the best device for your situation.

Consider the sensitivity of the locator

The sensitivity is a critical factor to consider when choosing a magnetic locator:

• A more sensitive model will detect smaller metal objects, but it may also pick up interference from other sources, such as power lines or rebar in concrete.
• A less sensitive device may not detect smaller objects but will be less susceptible to interference.

Consider your specific needs and the environment in which you’ll be using the locator when choosing its sensitivity.

Look for a durable design

Magnetic locators are often used in challenging environments, so it’s essential to choose a model that can withstand the rigors of the job. Look for a model with durable, rugged designs that can handle drops, bumps, and other impacts. You’ll also want to choose one that is waterproof or at least water-resistant if you’re working in wet or moist environments.

Check the battery life

Like with any electronic device, batteries are just consumables and that includes rechargeable ones. Of course, carrying a spare or two is always advisable but, even so, you don’t want to risk them giving up on you in a critical moment. Therefore, choose a model with a long battery life (and get a spare or two, just in case) and you’ll be golden!

Evaluate the weight of the locator

If your job requires you to use a locator for extended periods, it’ll be smart to go with a lightweight model, so you don’t get fatigued fast. However, the name of the game here is “balance”. Meaning: don’t sacrifice durability for weight, as a flimsier model won’t last long in harsh conditions.

Consider the size of the search coil

The search coil is part of the magnetic locator that detects the presence of metal underground. Its size directly affects the sensitivity and effectiveness of the locator. A larger search coil will generally be more sensitive and detect metal objects at greater depths, but it will also be bulkier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

So, in this specific case, “bigger” doesn’t necessarily mean “better”. Once again, you’re looking to strike a reasonable balance, this time between necessary sensitivity, size, and weight, in order to get the maximum out of your device.

Look for adjustable sensitivity settings

This feature allows you to customize the sensitivity of the locator to your specific needs and the environment in which you’ll be using it. Look for a model with multiple sensitivity settings that you can adjust on the fly, so you don’t have to stop and recalibrate it after every reading.

Check the frequency range

Every metal responds differently to different frequencies. As such, it is advisable to look for a locator with a wide frequency range, so you can detect a variety of metal objects, including small and large ones. This feature will also make the locator more versatile and useful in different environments.

Consider the brand reputation and warranty

The last (but not the least) thing to check when choosing a magnetic locator is to consider the reputation of the brand and the warranty offered. First, it is best to choose a brand that has a proven track record of producing high-quality locators, as doing so ensures you’re getting a reliable device and the best ROI.

And, second, look for models that come with a warranty that covers defects and malfunctions, as it will give you peace of mind and ensure that you can get the support you need if something goes wrong with the device.

Where can I buy a Schonstedt locator in Watertown & near me?

If you’re looking to purchase a high-quality magnetic locator in the Watertown, NY area, you won’t find a better supplier on either side of the Black River than Blair Supply Corp. In our stock, you’ll find a selection of durable and reliable devices, designed to meet the needs of even the most demanding user. Contact us today to explore your options and find the locator that will perfectly suit your needs.